Ben Shephard's 'Midlife Crisis' on The Masked Singer Caused Sleepless Nights
Known for his role as a presenter on This Morning, Ben Shephard has opened up about his recent appearance on the popular television show The Masked Singer, which he humorously described as plunging him into a midlife crisis. The 51-year-old father of two narrowly missed out on victory in the final, losing to former Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan, who performed as Moth. Shephard, who was disguised as Conkers, revealed that the experience was so nerve-wracking it led to significant sleep disturbances and anxiety.
Traumatic Experience and Sleep Deprivation
Ben Shephard, who has co-hosted This Morning with Kate Deeley since March 2024, shared candid details about the emotional toll of participating in The Masked Singer. He explained, "Ah man, it was so traumatic, I had no sleep, it was relentless and brilliant at the same time. It was this crazy juxtaposition of this incredible rush when it was done and the trauma of doing even more tomorrow because we filmed every other day." The presenter admitted to waking up in the middle of the night, unable to return to sleep without mentally rehearsing songs and lyrics multiple times.
Shephard typically wakes at 3:30 a.m. for his hosting duties on Good Morning Britain, a routine he maintained for a decade. However, during the filming of The Masked Singer, his anxiety escalated, causing him to wake anxiously throughout the night. He told the Daily Mail, "Basically, doing The Masked Singer, I was slap bang in the middle of a midlife crisis but what was much better than getting a fast car, was to surround myself in a beautiful Conkers costume... There is certainly the sense of anticipation before every show — but the only time I get nervous is when I feel I'm out of my depth like The Masked Singer, when I really question my life choices."
Judges and Social Media Apology
The judging panel, consisting of Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, and last year’s winner Samantha Barks, ultimately unmasked Shephard. Following the airing of the final on Saturday, Shephard took to social media to issue a heartfelt apology. He posted, "For everyone whose songs I destroyed I’m so so sorry. For everyone who listened I’m even more apologetic. For the amazing team who created Conkers you are the real stars - I can’t thank you enough he was very special."
During the competition, Shephard performed his own rendition of the JLS hit Everybody In Love, despite Marvin Humes being present in the lineup as Can of Worms. The journalist found it particularly challenging to conceal his identity from the judges and host Joel Dommett, who is not only a friend but also his podcast co-host. This added layer of familiarity made the experience even more intense and stressful for the seasoned presenter.
Overall, Ben Shephard's journey on The Masked Singer highlights the unexpected pressures and emotional challenges that can accompany high-profile television appearances, even for experienced broadcasters. His candid reflections provide a glimpse into the personal struggles behind the glamour of showbusiness, resonating with audiences who may face similar anxieties in their own lives.
